Adam Pedder, known as II, is the drummer for Sleep Token, a British band recognized for its captivating blend of alternative metal, progressive metal, and atmospheric rock. Born on September 17, 1991, in Swindon, Wiltshire, UK, Pedder’s drumming career began in the UK metal scene, where he played for bands like Belial, As Winter Burns White, Morbid Remains, and She Must Burn. He is known for his technical skill and creative versatility, incorporating elements from genres such as drum and bass, R&B, and gospel into his drumming style. Pedder is active on Instagram under the handle @ii_sleeptoken, where he engages with over 342,000 followers, sharing insights into his drumming journey and performances with Sleep Token.
In a rare move, Pedder participated in a detailed interview with Drumeo in 2023, where he discussed his drumming influences and style. He revealed that his approach to drumming is heavily inspired by UK dance music, particularly drum and bass, which he incorporates into his drumming vocabulary alongside his metal roots. Pedder blends these influences with elements from R&B, pop, and gospel, citing drummers like Eric Moore and Tony Royster Jr. as major inspirations. He also elaborated on his creative process, explaining how he often uses vocal lines to guide his drum parts and seeks to align with the song’s syncopation to add depth and complexity. Pedder’s performance style is known for evolving over time; he frequently adapts his recorded parts for live performances to keep them fresh and engaging.
Adam Pedder Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Adam Pedder |
| Stage Name | II |
| Date of Birth | September 17, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Swindon, Wiltshire, United Kingdom |
| Occupation | Drummer |
| Genres | Alternative Metal, Progressive Metal, Hardcore, Drum and Bass |
| Instruments | Drums |
| Years Active | 2008–present |
| Notable Bands | Sleep Token, Belial, As Winter Burns White, Morbid Remains, She Must Burn |
| Previous Projects | Played in various metal and hardcore bands, contributing significantly to the UK metal scene |
| Visual Aesthetic | Performs masked to maintain Sleep Token’s anonymity and immersive stage presence |
| Key Contributions | Technical drumming that blends metal with diverse influences, enhancing Sleep Token’s unique sound |
| Musical Style | Influenced by UK dance music, R&B, pop, gospel, and metal, creating a versatile and dynamic style |
| Favorite Drummers | Influences include Joey Jordison, Tony Royster Jr., Eric Moore, and Thomas Pridgen |
II’s First-Ever Interview and Insights into His Drumming Evolution
In his first-ever interview with Drumeo, Adam Pedder, known as II, broke Sleep Token’s tradition of secrecy by sharing insights into his drumming evolution and influences. II discussed how his style has grown from his early metal roots to incorporate elements of gospel drumming, UK dance music, and even R&B and pop. He emphasized his commitment to keeping his drumming fresh and varied, both in the studio and live on stage, where he often reinterprets his recorded parts. Highlighting favorites like Higher and The Summoning, II revealed how his love for complex rhythms and creative freedom drives his performances, making each show a unique experience for fans.
